Michael Douglas denied a decades-old sex addiction rumor during a tense interview published Monday ahead of his memoir release. The actor, 82, said a British tabloid editor fabricated the story, and his tone turned defensive when the subject arose. The actor, 82, said a British tabloid editor fabricated the story in the 1990s, and in the interview his tone turned defensive when the subject arose.
What Douglas Said About The Sex Addiction Rumor
When a Sunday Times reporter asked Douglas about the rumor during their interview, he said the account “wasn’t true.” According to Page Six, Douglas told the journalist: “A British tabloid editor came up with this story, which, thank you very much, here we are talking about at 82. It happens with the tabloids and, well, I won’t blame your country alone, but you’re probably better known for it than most. It wasn’t true.”
The interview took a notably defensive turn. According to E! News, Douglas also denied sleeping with numerous women throughout his life, saying he was simply “a healthy product of the ’60s” and questioning why British press seemed so focused on his personal relationships.
What The Memoir Addresses
In his book One Helluva Ride, releasing Oct. 6, Douglas writes that he “was never a f–king sex addict,” according to Page Six. The memoir does contain a significant personal revelation: Douglas confirms he had a secret affair with his Romancing the Stone co-star Kathleen Turner while filming the 1984 movie in Mexico. The two kept the relationship private for 40 years.
Douglas describes their on-set connection as a “magic spell” and more than a “fly-by-night affair,” explaining that the relationship developed naturally due to the pressure of production and their mutual respect and attraction. The affair ended when his then-wife Diandra Luker visited the set and made clear her expectations about their marriage to Turner, prompting the actress to step back.
Broader Context From The Interview
Douglas also addressed his 2013 breakup with current wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, 57, whom he married in 2000. When asked how he “won her back,” Douglas objected to the framing, saying it was mutual and that marriage “is a lot of work.” He noted their 25-year relationship and reflected on weathering difficulties together.
Earlier in the conversation, Douglas clarified his memoir’s content about his dating life before meeting Zeta-Jones. When the reporter cited his recollection of needing to end things “with five women” before pursuing a serious relationship, Douglas corrected the characterization, explaining that Zeta-Jones had asked for monogamy and he made calls to end his other relationships that evening.
Reporting from Page Six and E! News contributed to this story.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
